Lead, Global Sports Partnerships, EMEA

DFL; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic leader to drive partnerships in the sports sector across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This role requires a passion for sports and the ability to manage high-profile relationships with athletes and teams. You will be responsible for executing a long-term strategy that aligns with the company's objectives, utilizing your expertise in partner management and strategic thinking. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will shape the future of sports engagement on innovative platforms. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and have a track record of successful partnerships, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 12+ years experience in partner management within a sporting environment.
• Proven track record managing sports partnerships and establishing long-term relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead Meta’s strategic partnerships with sports partners across the industry.
• Manage a team of strategic partner managers and collaborate on partnership plans.

Skills

Partner Management

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Relationship Building

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Meta is seeking an experienced, strategic, and results-driven leader to spearhead partnerships with influential athletes, teams, leagues, and federations across Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). This role involves developing and executing a long-term strategy for Meta within the sports industry in these regions.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for challenges and opportunities, with sports being a key priority for Meta across its Family of Apps (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp). EMEA hosts some of the most influential sports entities globally, including Real Madrid, the International Olympic Committee, FIFA, Manchester United, and Formula 1.

You will be responsible for building, maintaining, and enhancing top-tier partner relationships within the sports industry in EMEA, supporting their growth across Meta platforms, and driving innovative strategic initiatives and new product solutions. This includes managing a team of strategic partner managers.

The role requires a blend of strategic thinking and expert execution—educating and inspiring high-profile athletes and teams to adopt Meta's latest products, launching creative partnerships to boost in-app engagement, and analyzing data to improve partner performance.

You will serve as the primary contact for internal teams (marketing, policy, communications, sales) and external stakeholders, developing action plans to meet objectives. As Meta’s external spokesperson in the EMEA sports industry, strong relationship-building, prioritization, and communication skills are essential. A proven track record in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and a passion for sports and Meta’s products are required.

Responsibilities:

1. Represent the EMEA Sports Partnerships team and lead our goals, strategies, and team.
2. Manage Meta’s strategic sports partnerships across the industry, acting as the primary point of contact internally and externally in EMEA.
3. Develop a mission and 1-3 year strategic plan for key EMEA-led sports (e.g., Football, F1), outlining opportunities and actions.
4. Manage a team of strategic partner managers, collaborating closely with a partner solutions manager.
5. Coordinate go-to-market partnership plans with cross-functional teams, especially around major events like the Olympics and World Cup.
6. Support goal setting, opportunity analysis, and planning to ensure organizational success.
7. Gather industry and partner feedback to influence product development, ensuring alignment with Meta’s strategic goals.
8. Participate in regional and global leadership teams.
9. Implement efficient processes to increase impact and operational efficiency.
10. Identify and onboard managed partners based on data and strategic objectives, focusing on education, product adoption, and platform output.
11. Use data analytics to monitor and communicate key metrics and trends related to partner relationships.
12. Execute decisions and communications effectively in a fast-paced environment.
13. Define engagement strategies aligned with Meta’s business objectives.
14. Collaborate with internal teams (Product, Communications, Marketing, Policy, Sales) to advocate for partners.
15. Propose scalable solutions to enhance the relevance and impact of Meta platforms.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 12+ years in partner management or content delivery within a sports environment.
• 8+ years of experience managing teams.
• Proven success in managing sports partnerships and building long-term relationships.
• Knowledge of the EMEA sports and athlete landscape, with existing industry relationships.
• Experience leading dynamic, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Organizational and analytical skills with program leadership experience.
• Understanding of Meta’s strategic position and the creator ecosystem.
• Strategic thinking and ability to develop actionable recommendations.
• Project management experience handling multiple priorities.
• Experience working across all management levels internally and externally.
• Agile, quick learner who embraces challenges and thrives under pressure.
• Proven track record of coaching and supporting high-performing individuals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• English fluency; additional languages are a plus.